Planning a safari and Indian Ocean escape: your questions answered

Where do you actually specialise in?

I focus on tailor-made holidays across Africa and the Indian Ocean, including:

• South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe for safaris
• Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles and Zanzibar for beach and island escapes

Every itinerary is bespoke, so I will always recommend destinations that fit your travel style, timeframe and budget, rather than trying to squeeze you into a fixed package.

I have never been on safari before. Where do I start?

You do not need to arrive with all the answers. We start with a simple conversation about:

• Who is travelling
• When you would like to go
• What you enjoy on holiday (pace, comfort, style, activities)

From there, I will:

• Suggest destinations and lodges that work well for first-time safaris
• Explain what a typical day on safari looks like
• Talk through how we can pair the bush with time on the beach or an island

I will guide you step by step, from choosing where to go to knowing what to pack.

When is the best time of year to go on safari?

There is no single “best time” that suits every country and every traveller, but as a guide:

• Many classic safari regions are at their best in the dry season, when wildlife gathers around limited water sources and is easier to spot.
• The green season can be beautiful too: lush landscapes, dramatic skies, fewer visitors and often better value.

Once I know where you are considering and your preferred travel dates, I will talk you through the pros and cons and help you decide what will work best for you.

How many nights should I spend on safari versus by the ocean?

This is one of the questions I am asked most often.

A useful starting point:

• 3–4 nights on safari
• 5–7 nights on the coast or an island

Many clients like a few intense, memorable days on safari, followed by longer, gentler time relaxing by the ocean. Others prefer to maximise wildlife time and add just a short “reset” by the beach.

There is no right or wrong answer. I will shape the balance around:

• How long you can be away
• Whether you are travelling as a couple, family or group
• How much downtime you want built in

Mauritius, Maldives or Seychelles – which is best after safari?

All three are wonderful, but they suit slightly different styles of travel:

• Mauritius
  Great for: facilities, activities, excellent food, good value for families and couples. A good choice if you like a mix of relaxation and things to do.
• Maldives
  Great for: classic barefoot luxury and “desert island” feel, especially for couples and honeymooners. Perfect if you want to slow right down and stay in one beautiful place.
• Seychelles
  Great for: a more natural, slightly wilder island feel, stunning beaches and the option to hop between islands for variety.

Once I understand your preferences, I will recommend the destination – and specific resort – that fits you best.

I also often use Madagascar, Zanzibar and Mozambique as alternative options to the above.

Is a safari suitable for children and families?

Yes, absolutely, and it can be magical when done well.

The key is:

• Choosing family-friendly lodges that welcome children
• Picking destinations and parks that suit their ages and attention spans
• Considering malaria-free options for peace of mind
• Designing a pace that works for everyone (time to swim, play and rest)

I will advise on minimum ages, room configurations, suitable activities and the small details that make a family safari feel relaxed, not rushed. I also have a few favoured 'child friendly' lodges that I work with, including private vehicles, so that your children and you as parents can really relax and enjoy this incredible experience.

How safe are the places you recommend?

Your safety and peace of mind are always a priority.

• I work with trusted partners, lodges and resorts that meet high standards.
• I keep up to date with official travel advice and will highlight anything relevant to your trip.
• On safari, you are looked after by experienced guides and lodge teams who know the environment and wildlife extremely well.

We will talk through any health or safety considerations for your specific destinations, so you feel informed and comfortable before you travel.

Do I need vaccinations and visas?

This depends on:

• Which countries you visit
• Your route (including any stopovers)
• Your medical history

Visa and health requirements can change over time. Once we have your destinations and routing agreed, I will:

• Flag any visas, passport validity and entry requirements you need to be aware of
• Signpost you to official sources and medical professionals for up-to-date health and vaccination advice

It is always best to check this well in advance, so we can plan with confidence.

Are safaris only for very high budgets?

Safaris and Indian Ocean escapes are often seen as “once-in-a-lifetime” trips, and they can be a significant investment, but there is still flexibility within that.

I often work with premium and luxury options, and within that I can help you:

• Prioritise where to allocate more budget (for example, a special lodge on safari)
• Balance this with more cost-effective choices elsewhere (for example, a good-quality but less expensive beach resort)
• Use dates and routing cleverly to maximise value

However, once I understand your approximate budget, I will be honest about what is realistic and suggest options that give you the best experience for your spend.

Can you help with multi-centre itineraries?

Yes – in fact, most of my Safari Stories & Ocean Escapes are multi-centre by design.

Examples include:

• Cape Town, the Winelands and a South African safari followed by Mauritius
• A Kenya or Tanzania safari paired with Zanzibar
• A Tanzania or South Africa safari followed by the Maldives

I will piece together:

• Internal flights and routing
• Transfers and timings
• The right number of nights in each place

so your journey feels smooth and makes the most of your time away.

What exactly do you take care of as my Travel Counsellor?

My role is to look after the whole picture for you, including:

• International and internal flights
• Safari lodges and camps
• Coastal or island resorts
• Private transfers and ground arrangements
• Special experiences and added touches along the way

I will:

• Design a personalised itinerary around you
• Talk you through the details and practicalities
• Be on hand before, during and after your trip if you have questions or need support

You also benefit from the financial protection and reassurance that comes with booking through Travel Counsellors.

How bespoke can my safari or Indian Ocean escape be?

In short: completely.

We can tailor:

• The routing and length of your trip
• The mix of destinations and properties
• The style of accommodation and room types
• The balance between activity and downtime

Some clients love a slower, more restorative escape with plenty of space. Others want to fit in as many experiences as possible. My job is to listen and then create something that feels like your ideal version, not anyone else’s.

How far in advance should I book?

For popular safari areas and sought-after Indian Ocean resorts:

• 9–12 months ahead is ideal, especially for school holidays and peak seasons.

However, it is always worth asking. I can often find excellent options with less notice, particularly if you can be a little flexible on dates or specific properties. I am currently working on itineraries 28 months away.

The earlier we start planning, the more choice we will have with:

• Flights
• Lodges and camps
• Room types and special experiences

Why book with me rather than doing it all yourself?

Safaris and multi-centre trips look simple on a map, but in reality they are made up of many moving parts: flights, transfers, park regulations, seasonal differences, lodge styles and more.

By working with me, you benefit from:

• My knowledge of which destinations, lodges and resorts genuinely suit your needs
• Routes and timings that make sense on the ground, not just on paper
• One person who knows your plans inside out and is there if you need support
• The financial protection and peace of mind that comes with booking through Travel Counsellors

Most importantly, you save yourself the time and uncertainty of trying to put it all together alone.

If you are beginning to dream about your own Safari Story, an Ocean Escape, or a journey that combines the two, I would love to help you shape it.

Contact me today to start planning your next escape.

Send me your enquiry